Attractions
Wat Bang Kung
Wat Bang Kung is located in Bang Kung Subdistrict, Bang Khon Thi District, Samut Songkhram Province. It is an ancient temple with a history dating back to the late Ayutthaya period and is situated along the Mae Klong River.
The main highlight of Wat Bang Kung is the Bot Prok Pho, or Tree-Covered Chapel, an old ordination hall surrounded by the roots of Bodhi, banyan, Krai, and Krang trees, creating the temple's distinctive appearance. Inside the chapel is Luang Pho Nilmani, an important Buddha image that attracts visitors who come to pay their respects.
The Tree-Covered Chapel at Wat Bang Kung
The Bot Prok Pho is the most distinctive feature of Wat Bang Kung. The old ordination hall is surrounded by the roots and trunks of several types of trees, particularly Bodhi and banyan trees, creating a unique combination of historic architecture and nature.
Inside the chapel is Luang Pho Nilmani, also known as Luang Pho Dam, a revered Buddha image worshipped by local residents and visitors to Samut Songkhram.
The Tree-Covered Chapel is widely recognized as one of the highlights of Bang Kung Camp and an important historical site in Samut Songkhram.
Luang Pho Nilmani
Luang Pho Nilmani, also known as Luang Pho Dam, is the principal Buddha image inside the Tree-Covered Chapel. Visitors to Wat Bang Kung commonly come to pay their respects and make merit.
The unique atmosphere inside the chapel, surrounded by tree roots, makes paying respects to the Buddha image a particularly memorable experience for many visitors.
History of Wat Bang Kung
According to the Samut Songkhram Provincial Office of Buddhism, Wat Bang Kung is an ancient temple believed to have been established during the late Ayutthaya period, around 2250–2300 BE.
The area originally included Wat Bang Kung Noi and Wat Bang Kung Yai before the two areas were eventually combined and the temple became known as Wat Bang Kung.
Wat Bang Kung and Bang Kung Camp
Wat Bang Kung is closely associated with Bang Kung Camp, an important historical site in Thailand.
After the second fall of Ayutthaya, King Taksin the Great ordered naval forces to establish a base in the Bang Kung area and built defensive walls around the temple, placing it inside the camp as a spiritual centre for the soldiers.
In 1768, Burmese forces attacked Bang Kung Camp. King Taksin the Great and the Thai forces fought back and successfully drove the Burmese forces away. The battle became an important event in Thai history during the early Thonburi period.
Today, the Bang Kung Camp area includes a reconstructed defensive wall and historical memorials associated with King Taksin the Great. Visitors can explore the temple and surrounding historical area in the same trip.
What to See at Wat Bang Kung
In addition to the Tree-Covered Chapel and Luang Pho Nilmani, the temple and Bang Kung Camp area include several other points of interest:
King Taksin the Great Monument
An ancient pond
Wat Bang Kung Zoo
The surrounding Bang Kung Camp area
The Samut Songkhram Provincial Office of Buddhism also identifies the King Taksin the Great Monument and ancient pond as important features of the area.
How to Get to Wat Bang Kung
Wat Bang Kung is located in Bang Kung Subdistrict, Bang Khon Thi District, Samut Songkhram Province. The temple can be reached by both road and water, as it is situated along the Mae Klong River.
For visitors traveling by car, search for Wat Bang Kung on Google Maps or your preferred navigation app.
Wat Bang Kung can also be included in a riverside sightseeing route together with nearby attractions such as Wat Bang Nang Li Yai, Wat Phumarin Kudi Thong, Wat Thong Khung, Wat Bang Khae Yai, Wat Bang Khae Noi, and other attractions in Bang Khon Thi.
What to Visit After Wat Bang Kung
Wat Bang Kung can be included in a Samut Songkhram and Amphawa sightseeing itinerary together with other attractions, including:
Wat Bang Nang Li Yai, Wat Phumarin Kudi Thong, Wat Thong Khung, Wat Bang Khae Yai, and Wat Bang Khae Noi
Where to Stay for a Visit to Wat Bang Kung
Baan Siriporn Resort in Samut Songkhram is an accommodation option for travelers who want to stay overnight while exploring Amphawa and the surrounding attractions.
Wat Bang Kung is approximately 12.2 km from Baan Siriporn Resort, or around 20–25 minutes by car, depending on the route and traffic conditions.
Guests can ask our staff for directions to Wat Bang Kung, Amphawa Floating Market, Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram, and other attractions in the area.